CHASING MAVERICKS is the story of Jay Moriarity, one of the greatest big-wave surfers in history. The movie features some amazing surfing shots as well as insights into the surfing culture and the people who helped the 16-year old Moriarity become such a remarkable individual.
Among the high points of the film is the event that made the teenager an instant sensation. On the morning of December 19, 1994, he was a completely unknown high school kid who worked at a pizza parlor. With some other surfers, he paddled out into some of the biggest waves ever to hit the California coast near Santa Cruz. To the amazement of everyone who was there that day or who has seen the video, he turned in to the first wave in a huge set. His wipeout from the giant wave ended up on the cover of Surfer Magazine, and he became a legend. Two persistent themes throughout the film make it more than the typical surfer movie. Moriarity was a kind and thoughtful person who was never affected by the fame that came to him. Despite his status as a celebrity surfer, he wanted to become a firefighter, and he completed his emergency medical technician training.
A second theme is his relationships with family and friends, all of whom helped him become such an exceptional person. Frosty Hesson who was a former lifeguard and collegiate swimmer, takes Jay under his wings and teaches him lessons about life and surfing. Frosty was always there for Jay, offering encouragement and cheering him on, while pushing Jay to his limit.
The tragic accidental drowning death of Jay Moriarity in 2001 does nothing to diminish the upbeat mood of the storyline. Through it all, Jay comes across as a true soul surfer whose legacy and achievement are as big as the waves he loved.
The Plot:CHASING MAVERICKS is the story of Jay Moriarity, one of the greatest big-wave surfers in history. The movie features some amazing surfing shots as well as insights into the surfing culture and the people who helped the 16-year old Moriarity become such a remarkable individual.
Among the high points of the film is the event that made the teenager an instant sensation. On the morning of December 19, 1994, he was a completely unknown high school kid who worked at a pizza parlor. With some other surfers, he paddled out into some of the biggest waves ever to hit the California coast near Santa Cruz. To the amazement of everyone who was there that day or who has seen the video, he turned in to the first wave in a huge set. His wipeout from the giant wave ended up on the cover of Surfer Magazine, and he became a legend.
Two persistent themes throughout the film make it more than the typical surfer movie. Moriarity was a kind and thoughtful person who was never affected by the fame that came to him. Despite his status as a celebrity surfer, he wanted to become a firefighter, and he completed his emergency medical technician training.
A second theme is his relationships with family and friends, all of whom helped him become such an exceptional person. Frosty Hesson who was a former lifeguard and collegiate swimmer, takes Jay under his wings and teaches him lessons about life and surfing. Frosty was always there for Jay, offering encouragement and cheering him on, while pushing Jay to his limit.
The tragic accidental drowning death of Jay Moriarity in 2001 does nothing to diminish the upbeat mood of the storyline. Through it all, Jay comes across as a true soul surfer whose legacy and achievement are as big as the waves he loved.